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By Anna Commander and Marni Rose McFall
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UFC heavyweight Josh Hokit sparked backlash after using his post-fight interview at the White House to repeat a false claim about former first lady Michelle Obama following his victory over Derrick Lewis on Sunday.
After defeating Lewis by technical knockout at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday night, Hokit thanked President Donald Trump for hosting the event before ending his interview with UFC commentator Joe Rogan by saying: "Michelle Obama is a man, am I right, America?"
Rogan responded, "Ladies and gentlemen, Josh Hokit," before the interview concluded.
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A video from CNN shows that immediately following Hokit's remarks, Trump can be seen somewhat half-smiling and removing a chain from around his neck. Hokit was previously seen putting a chain on the president's neck and the interaction was touted by the White House on X on Sunday with the caption "real" and an emoji of a 100.
The claim by Hokit has circulated for years as an unfounded conspiracy theory targeting the former first lady.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House again on Monday and Michelle Obama's office for comment.
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Hokit’s Remarks Draw Backlash Online
Hokit's remarks were met with immediate pushback online following the fight.
Representative Melanie Stansbury, a New Mexico Democrat, wrote on X: “OK, so let me get this straight…the dude who puked on himself live on TV during his weigh in, is hurling insults at the former first lady now? Disgusting. Welcome to the Trump Administration.”
Jon Favreau, a podcast host and former speechwriter for President Barack Obama, said: “I'm sure what happened next was a strong condemnation of the remarks from everyone else with a microphone, right?”
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III also criticized Hokit, writing: "Josh Hokit won the biggest fight of his career at the White House and decides to finish his interview by calling Michelle Obama a man. What a disgrace."
Griffin added that "it takes a really small man to use his biggest moment to attack a woman by calling her a man," noting the historical context of such insults being directed toward Black women.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy called on Trump to denounce the UFC fighter's remarks.
"When you have that on the White House lawn, on an event that you put down, that has to be an immediate announce," Portnoy said, in part, on Wake Up Barstool. "I don't care what you think about the Obamas or anything. Trump should denounce and say that was totally wrong."
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Not the First Time
Hokit also made the claim in an interview following his victory over Eric Lunsford at LFA 208 in May 2025, before joining UFC.
He has also previously criticized transgender people. In an Instagram video, Hokit said that transgender women should not compete in women's sports or use women's facilities before adding that they "belong in this Octagon with me."
What Was UFC Freedom 250?
UFC Freedom 250 was the first professional sporting event to be held at the presidential residence, with seven fights taking place. It was organized to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding and coincided with Flag Day and Trump’s 80th birthday.
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